People with personal health budgets (PHBs) are better at controlling their drug and alcohol dependency compared to those without budgets, according to a recent study commissioned by the Department of Health. Another finding was that people with personal budgets developed better relationships with their health professionals and found ‘innovative’ ways to spend their money such as driving lessons and alternative therapies.
Researchers of the Personal Health Budget Evaluation study commented on the limitations of the study. They suggested that the small sample size prevented a full analysis of the cost effectiveness and outcomes of personal budgets. They also said that their analysis did not evaluate PHBs as direct payments but rather as budgets managed by commissioners.
